This chapter contains information on what to do if you experience problems with your system or installation. Each section describes a problem and provides instructions on how to solve the problem. Product support information is at the end of this chapter.
Using the gfxinfo command accesses information about the number of channels and their configurations that exist in an OCTANE workstation with an OCO board installed.
Follow these steps to use gfxinfo:
Go to the Toolchest.
To open a shell, click “Desktop” and then “Unix Shell.”
On the command line, enter /usr/gfx/gfxinfo
The listing provided by gfxinfo includes the following information:
the confirmation (or lack) of the presence of an OCO board
the recognition of a video format successfully loaded into the system
the recognition of the number of screens to be used, and their size and position
For more information about the gfxinfo command, see Chapter 3, “Using gfxinfo to List Graphics Information”.
If the OCO board is not listed by gfxinfo, the problem may be that a flex connector between the OCO board and the graphics board is not properly seated. See Chapter 1 for instructions on installing the OCO board and seating the flex connectors.
When the OCO board is active, the main monitor is deactivated. Information to the monitor(s) is sent through the breakout box cable.
If gfxinfo recognizes the OCO board, but either no images or faulty images appear on the screens, the problem might be that the double flex connectors between the OCO board and graphics board are not properly connected. See Chapter 1 for instructions on removing and installing the OCO board and seating the flex connectors.
If, in a multiple screen mode, one screen has blank or faulty images and gfxinfo recognizes the proper configurations, swap the screen cables and screens. If the problem stays with the swapped screen, the screen is faulty. If the problem stays with the channel, the problem is with the OCO board. Call your authorized service representative for help with ordering or replacing parts.
Check the monitor cables. If non-standard cables are used, faulty images may appear on the screen. Use a cable with 75 ohm impedance that is six feet or shorter.
Use the following troubleshooting checklist to determine an installation problem:
Check that the power cables are connected to the workstation and the monitors or head-mounted display.
Check that the breakout box cable connector at the chassis I/O panel is seated and the thumb screws are tightened.
Check that the cable connections from the breakout box to the monitors or head- mounted display are connected.
Open the chassis and check that the OCO board and graphics board set are properly seated in the chassis. Follow instructions in Chapter 1 for opening the chassis.
Remove the OCO and graphics board set and check to be sure the flex cables connecting the OCO board and the graphics board set are properly seated.
Check that the appropriate operating system and software have been installed. See the software CD and release notes that came with your shipment.
Check your monitor specifications to ensure that you have installed the correct monitor.
Make sure the graphics boards are inserted toward the interior of the workstation.
Make sure the XIO module is seated and the I/O panel on the OCTANE Channel Option board is relatively flush with the chassis. If not, follow the instructions in Chapters 1 and 4 from powering off the workstation through removing the XIO module, and see if an XIO compression connector cap is on any XIO compression connector. If so, remove the cap, and follow the instructions in Chapter 1 for reinstalling the XIO module and powering on the workstation.
Check the flex cable connections to the graphics board. They must be completely seated. Follow the directions earlier in Chapter 1 and Chapter 4 from powering off the workstation to connecting the flex cables from the OCTANE Channel Option board to the graphics board. Then follow the instructions to seat the flex cables through powering on the workstation.
Silicon Graphics, Inc. provides a comprehensive product support and maintenance program for its products. If you are in North America and would like support for your Silicon Graphics supported products, contact the Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-800-4SGI or your authorized service provider. If you are outside North America, contact the Silicon Graphics subsidiary or authorized distributor in your country.